Injury Control & Violence | The Pump Handle

Child Labor 7-Eleven workers organize against workplace violence: ‘Convenience store workers deserve to be safe’

November 20, 2015 Kim Krisberg 2Comment

In February 2015, a group of 7-Eleven night shift workers in Buffalo, New York, filed a complaint with OSHA. Sick of enduring regular bouts of verbal harassment, racial slurs and even death threats from customers — threats they often experienced while working alone with no security guard — they hoped OSHA could help bring about safer working conditions. Unfortunately, the agency decided not to investigate.

Government Fatal work injury that killed Davide Nascimento was preventable, OSHA cites A. Martins and Sons

November 11, 2015 Celeste Monforton, DrPH, MPH

The fatal work-related injuries that killed Davide Nascimento could have been prevented had his employer followed worker safety regulations.

Child Labor Occupational Health News Roundup

November 10, 2015 Kim Krisberg

The Center for Public Integrity investigates occupational illness and the workers’ compensation system; federal officials accuse coal mining operator of worker retaliation; OSHA penalties finally rise to meet inflation; and low-wage workers go on strike across the nation for better wages.

APHA Annual Meeting Public health researchers, activists gather for 143rd annual meeting: Highlights from Day 2

November 3, 2015 Celeste Monforton, DrPH, MPH

As “the water cooler for the public health crowd,” The Pump Handle is in Chicago reporting from the 143rd annual meeting of the American Public Health Association. Here are some highlights from yesterday’s events, including new policy statements adopted by the Association.

Environmental Health Worker center success: Houston workers organize for safer conditions at insulation plant

October 23, 2015 Kim Krisberg

When Mirella Nava began her new job at Rock Wool Manufacturing Company in Houston, Texas, she had no intentions of becoming an advocate for worker safety. But when she witnessed how fellow workers were being treated and the dangerous work conditions they faced on a daily basis, she felt compelled to speak up.

Injury Control & Violence Fatal work injury that killed Jeffrey Shannon was preventable, OSHA cites AECOM Technical Services

October 22, 2015 Celeste Monforton, DrPH, MPH 2Comment

The fatal work-related injuries that killed Jeffrey Shannon could have been prevented had his employer followed worker safety regulations.

Environmental Health Inspired by the modest mussel, scientists discover a naturally derived flame retardant

October 21, 2015 Kim Krisberg 3Comment

Flame retardants aren’t just found in your furniture. It’s likely you also have detectable amounts of the chemical in your body too, which is pretty worrisome considering the growing amount of research connecting flame retardants to serious health risks. Researchers have linked to the chemicals to reproductive health problems, adverse neurobehavioral development in kids, and endocrine and thyroid disruption. And so the question arises: Do the risks of today’s flame retardants outweigh the benefits?

Injury Control & Violence Not an “accident”: Kenneth Schultz, 56, suffers fatal work-related injury in Oceanside, CA

October 20, 2015 Celeste Monforton, DrPH, MPH

This week’s snapshot of just one work-related fatality in the US. This one occurred on Tuesday, October 13 in Oceanside, CA

Agriculture Occupational Health News Roundup

October 14, 2015 Kim Krisberg

Investigative series explores worker health and safety on the farm; California enacts toughest pay equity law in the country; OSHA proposes biggest fine in Nebraska’s history; and Labor Secretary Tom Perez stops by Gawker.

Child Labor Summit on Worker Voice: ‘We should be making it easier, not harder, for folks to join a union’

October 9, 2015 Kim Krisberg 1Comment

Earlier this week, the White House hosted a Summit on Worker Voice, welcoming organizers from more traditional labor groups, such as unions, as well as voices from new worker movements, such as Fight for $15. At the summit, President Obama spoke about wages, the power of collective action and the growing “gig” economy.